American Ethnic Studies

Welcome to American Ethnic Studies

Program Description

The United States, California and the Santa Barbara area have a great variety of peoples
of different ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. All of these groups make up
the American mosaic. The American Ethnic Studies Department examines the heritage,
contributions and problems of these communities.

Current emphasis is placed on the Asian-American, African-American, Mexican-American,
Native American and other communities of color. It is the department’s belief that,
through an examination of the heritage of others, one can appreciate one’s own heritage.

The department is committed to providing students the knowledge, personal attributes
and skills to successfully live and work in a diverse world. As a result, students
are prepared to operate competently, confidently and comfortably within a multi-cultural
setting and with the tools to adapt to a rapidly changing multi-cultural environment.

The department also offers courses which fulfill the Multicultural/Gender Equity requirement
and General Education requirements in the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze the role of the state in maintaining social inequality through institutions.2. Explain how race, class and gender roles create and sustain society within institutions.3. Explain how social forces influence the life experience of individuals.4. Explain the major theoretical perspectives in American Ethnic Studies.

Degrees Awarded

In these studies students will critically examines the interlocking forces of race,
gender, class, sexuality, and other forms of social differentiation that shape the
histories and experiences of marginalized groups.

What Can I Do with a Degree in American Ethnic Studies or Related Field (Asian American,
Black, Chicano/a, Native American Studies)?

When choosing a major, you should think about your interests, passion and strengths.
Many students declare an Ethnic Studies major because they care about social justice,
want to be able to talk knowledgeably about the experiences, contributions and histories
of communities of color, and wish to learn how to work effectively for racial, gender,
economic and environmental justice.

You should also think about how your degree will prepare you for life after SBCC.
In a liberal arts context, most majors do not translate directly into a specific career
path. Rather they impart marketable skills that are important in a range of career
paths and graduate programs. An Ethnic Studies degree will equip you with the following
transferable skills: strong written and oral communication skills, critical thinking
and analysis, knowledge about human behavior and institutions, cultural competency,
ability to work effectively with diverse populations, capacity to analyze racial impacts
of law and public policy, excellent research skills, team-building and group-centered
leadership skills.

Students who graduate with a degree in Ethnic Studies often obtain employment in the
fields of city and urban planning, communications, community arts, community development,
education policy, environmental justice, film, media and artistic performance, human
resources, immigrant rights advocacy, K-12 and higher education, journalism, legal
advocacy, marketing, museum curating, non-profit management, public health, policy
analysis, union organizing and youth work. In addition, a degree in Ethnic Studies
provides excellent preparation for a graduate professional degree in business and
non-profit administration, teacher education, law, medicine, public health and other
health professions, public policy and social work.

How Does Ethnic Studies Relate to other Fields of Study?

As a major spanning the social sciences and humanities, Ethnic Studies prepares students
for graduate study in a range of disciplines.

There are a number of minors that are excellent complements for a major in Ethnic
Studies. Sociology, family studies, political science, history, communications, women
studies, and anthropology are some of the more popular minors chosen by our majors.
A combination of any of these fields with Ethnic Studies provides strong preparation
for graduate or professional programs in Law, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Ethnic
Studies, Education, and Cultural Studies. Students in other colleges, notably Business,
Agriculture, Home Economics and Education are increasingly finding the field of Ethnic
Studies an exciting complement to their primary concentration and declaring minors
or second majors in Ethnic Studies or related fields.

2014 Outstanding Student Awards recipients

Ethnic Studies Club

In order to promote a more unified society of peoples living together in harmony and
with appreciation and acceptance of the people’s cultures, we unite to bridge the
gaps that exist in our neighborhoods, our schools, our cities, our states and our
countries. We are hereby committed to practicing and advocating cultural, ethnical,
racial and sexual equality and justice by supporting all efforts, programs and means
by which the theme of harmony may be promoted with the goal of living peacefully side-by-side
with all peoples of our world.

Students in the Club help organize a variety of activities that showcase and celebrate
the contributions of people of color, including Latina/o Heritage Month; Native American
Heritage Month; Black History Month; in addition to many other events to bring awareness
to the students, college and community we serve. It is the Club's belief that, through
an examination of the heritage and contributions of the heritage of others, one can
appreciate one’s own heritage.

The National Association for Ethnic Studies was founded in 1972. It provides an interdisciplinary
forum for scholars and activists concerned with the national and international dimensions
of ethnicity.

The Association welcomes scholars and teachers at all educational levels, students,
libraries, civic and governmental organizations, and all persons interested in ethnicity,
ethnic groups, intergroup relations, and the cultural life of ethnic minorities.

As a non-profit corporation, NAES provides a vehicle for interested members and donors
to promote responsible scholarship and advocacy in the diverse fields of enquiry which
constitute ethnic studies.